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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Black Drum in Florida Nature Coast & Big Bend may fishing.

Pogonias cromisSeasonal MovementGood

Resident pattern.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Good Pre-spawn concentrations forming. Typical water temp: 54–62°FGoodFeb — Peak Spring black drum spawn — fish in passes. Typical water temp: 58–66°FPeakMar — Peak Peak Gulf spawn. Typical water temp: 62–70°FPeakApr — Good Spawn winding down. Typical water temp: 68–76°FGoodMay — Good Resident pattern. Typical water temp: 72–80°FGoodJun — Fair Summer fish on structure. Typical water temp: 80–84°FFairJul — Fair Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FFairAug — Fair Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FFairSep — Good Fall feeding. Typical water temp: 78–84°FGoodOct — Good Same. Typical water temp: 70–78°FGoodNov — Good Pre-spawn movement. Typical water temp: 62–70°FGoodDec — Good Pre-spawn concentration. Typical water temp: 56–62°FGood

Migration pattern

Pre-spawn concentrations at Gulf passes January–February; peak spawn February–March; resident year-round.

Best locations

  • Steinhatchee River mouth
  • Cedar Key flats
  • Crystal River
  • Homosassa flats

Top lures

  • Whole blue crab on bottom
  • Live shrimp
  • Cut clam
  • Cut crab
  • Fresh shrimp
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Black Drum in other regions

Get a notification when black drum show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Florida Nature Coast & Big Bend.

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